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Irish Band Caves to PA Arab Cultural Terrorism

May 6, 2012

The Irish band “Dervish” has caved in to Palestinian Authority Arab cultural terrorism, canceling its tour in Israel after threats online.

The band pulled out of a three-date concert tour scheduled in Israel, citing on its Facebook page an “avalanche of negativity” and “venom” aimed at them from social networking sites.

Members of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign claimed responsibility for the intimidation that led to the band’s decision, according to a report published by the Irish Times.

The group had been invited to the Jewish State by an Israeli musician friend called Avshalom.

“In hindsight, it was very naïve of me to think our motives would not be misunderstood and misrepresented,” wrote lead singer Cathy Jordan on the band’s FB page. “Although I was aware of the concerns with our proposed visit to Israel, I wasn’t quite prepared for the extent of the venom directed at us,” she continued.

She wrote the band was unaware there was a cultural boycott in place when they agreed to the tour. “I deeply regret any upset caused by all of this. It was far from our intention to stir up all this anger and hatred, when the opposite was what was intended… I live in hope that one day love will conquer all.”

However, the Israeli embassy has made it clear there is no cultural boycott in place – rather, the so-called “boycott” that some have called for is instead actually a campaign of “cultural terror.”

The reference is to the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign that was launched against Israel in August 2010 and has continued to the present day.

The embassy pointed out to the Irish Times it was a “particular shame as culture is supposed to unite people.”

One of those who warned “Dervish” against going identified himself as Dr. Raymond Deane. He wrote on the band’s website that it would have “lost all credibility” had it carried out its tour and played in Israel.

There are numerous artists who have chosen to ignore this form of cultural terrorism.

Among them was the world-famous Irish dance troupe Riverdance, which performed in the Jewish State last September.

Despite requests that Riverdance boycott Israel, the troupe posted this statement on its website: “Riverdance supports the policy of the Irish Government and indeed the policy of every other EU state, that cultural interaction is preferable to isolation.”

The troupe appeared in seven performances in Tel Aviv, to a completely packed theater every time.

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